Page 148 of Random in Death

Master Francis. Christ.

“Where is that?”

“His laboratory, study, and recreational space is on the lower level.”

“The basement. Show me.”

“I’m sorry. I’m not programmed to enter that area.”

“Show me how to get to it. With me,” she told Roarke. “There’s going to be science and IT stuff you’ll recognize that I won’t.”

“That area can be accessed by steps in the utility area or by the elevator. However, both are secured and only Master Francis has access.”

“Show me,” Eve repeated. “I’ve got my own master with me.”

It led them to the staircase—classic, straight lines. Under it the wood-paneled door of an elevator nestled.

The droid spoke again when Eve pressed the elevator button.

“It will go up to the second and third floor, but not down without Master Francis’s authorization. I can attempt to notify him.”

“No.” Stepping aside, Eve let Roarke go to work on the block. “Why attempt?”

“Master Francis values his privacy. He often uses the privacy setting on his ’link.”

“Clear to go,” Roarke told her.

Peabody brought Eve her field kit. “I’m on the roof.”

“Great.” Eve sealed up. “Roarke.” She tossed him the Seal-It. “Take the droid back to wherever the door going down is. Come down that way after you shut it down. I don’t want it rebooting and notifying Master fucking Francis or the father.”

“You don’t want to contact the father?”

“Whatever he thinks or feels about the son, he’s still the father. Basic instinct when he finds out cops are looking for his son would most likely push him to contact the son.”

“True enough. I’ll meet you down there.”

As the doors closed, her communicator signaled. “What did you find?”

“A really excellent greenhouse. Compact but really mag. And it’s locked up tight. I really, seriously, totally don’t want to break the glass. I can’t see clearly through it. It’s vented, but the vents are too high for me to reach.”

“Come back in, find his bedroom, and start there. I’ll send Roarke up to deal with the greenhouse locks.”

“On my way. No luck on a cab or car service, Dallas.”

“He’s careful. Get on the bedroom.”

The elevator opened to pitch-dark.

“Lights on,” Eve ordered, but the dark remained. “Shit!”

Blocking the elevator door with her body, she used the light inside. Contacted Roarke.

“He’s got the lights blocked down here. Paranoid fucker. I’ve got a flashlight, but it won’t be enough.”

“Give me a minute.”

It didn’t take much longer for the lights—a lot of light—to snap on.